Working with a Monkey can be Hard

It feels like forever since the last time I wrote even though I seemed to have only missed one day. I have continued to be quite busy the past couple of days with getting ready for Christmas in addition to taking care of Parker. My wife has been suggesting to me (nice way of saying nagging) that I put the garland up on the railing going upstairs. So, I broke down yesterday and decided to do it. Parker and my wife sat at the top of the stairs while I tied the garland to the banister. It did not take too long to get it down since I have gotten some good practice lately putting up garland and lights. Parker was definitely quite excited to watch his dad walk up and down the stairs as he fought with the garland and the string so that one overshadowed the other.

Today being Tuesday, Parker had his enzyme injection at Sick Kid's in Toronto in addition to having his first of three consecutive days of Septra. For those of you who are not sure what either are I shall explain. Parker is currently at home awaiting treatment for gene therapy in Milan, Italy. To take part in the experimental treatment Parker receives twice weekly injections that supply him with the enzyme his body is unable to produce. Unfortunately, this form of treatment is only temporary and will not reconstruct his immune system for the long term. This is the reason we will be traveling to Italy for treatment.

Secondly, since Parker's immune system is still compromised he gets some help by taking a medication that combats the most severe form of pneumonia. Parker takes Septra three times a week for three consecutive days, beginning on Tuesday morning. Parker is not particularly enthusiastic about the medication and usually needs to watch the "Backyardigans" to take his mind off of the Septra. Since starting the enzyme replacement therapy and being on Septra, but mostly because of the environment that we control Parker has been free of illness.

Today, Parker, my wife and I worked on a video for Pope John Paul II Catholic School. Since they did some fundraising we wanted a way to say thank- you to the school community. Since us going to a school with Parker is out of the question, we did the next best thing. We created a video. I am not sure how many of you are in the film industry, or how many of you have ever had to work with a monkey, but shooting a video with my son Parker took quite a few takes. Thank goodness for video editing software.

Well, I better go and place the lights on the garland upstairs. I don't want Martha Stewart to be upset!